One good thing about Perth is that our climate means we don't really experience the freezing lows of winter than many European and American cities face.
Even still, when we were hit with two consecutive days of 0.7 degrees, it really is a shock to your system. There definitely wasn't as many riders out that morning, and even with this so-called "gas crisis" I don't think there would have been too many people without the heaters blazing those nights.
If this type of cold weather riding is not your thing, by all means jump in the car that day. There are many people currently phasing into the world of bike commuting, and a cold snap like that is more than enough to discourage you. Just remember, we have just under 2 more months of this really cold stuff, then the real fun of spring and summer commuting begins. I think we will see more bikes out and about than ever before.
For now, I have currently been using Arm Warmers, kindly provided by Torpedo 7. These items made their debut with road riders who were able to tuck these away after warming up. After using these a few times, I realised just how handy it is to be able to slide these off once you have warmed up, instead of having to stop your bike and remove and repack a layer of clothing. So for anyone looking to keep warm riding this winter, follow the links to Torpedo 7 and pick up some warmers, they are a worthwhile investment.
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
A good read for today..
Everyone in the world is affected by rocketing oil prices. It is concerning for many, but can lead to exciting new prospects for the future.
Time Magazine has given us ten good things to look forward to, even though oil prices still hold the world hostage.
Follow the link here to read Times article.
Safe Riding & enjoy the weekend.
Perth Bike Commuter
Time Magazine has given us ten good things to look forward to, even though oil prices still hold the world hostage.
Follow the link here to read Times article.
Safe Riding & enjoy the weekend.
Perth Bike Commuter
Friday, June 27, 2008
Part 5... Customise that bike!
Welcome back guys,
By now you have a basic bike setup ready for commuting. The last set before some of us hit the road is to add bits and pieces that we have seen on the web or in stores that really catch our eye.
Depending on what sort of bike you are riding, an upgraded seat (and maybe even seatpost) can be a good place to start. You will need a seat you find comfortable, but not too soft as it can cause numbness down there. I currently ride with a WTB, but for years the Brooks saddle range has really caught my eye. I am considering a B17 Special in the future, as they just look so sexy (and are the most comfortable saddle going round.)
We have spoken about bags in an earlier post (check it out here) but it is always handy to have a saddle bag tacked in under the seat. In here you can stuff your multi-tool, spare tube, C02 cartridges, spare change(make sure you have both notes and coins) along with a patch kit just in case. For the long commutes have an energy gel in there just for security. It may not even get used, but at least you know its there.
To top off your bike, add a bike computer. There are many different computers on the market, I picked up a Wireless Cat-eye one secondhand that does the job perfectly. Nice and neat, and not having to worry about cables everywhere if I decide to swap the tyres back to knobblies for trail riding.
If you have any comments or suggestions for Perth Bike Commuter, or just want to be heard, hit the comments field and tell me what you're thinking!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
By now you have a basic bike setup ready for commuting. The last set before some of us hit the road is to add bits and pieces that we have seen on the web or in stores that really catch our eye.
Depending on what sort of bike you are riding, an upgraded seat (and maybe even seatpost) can be a good place to start. You will need a seat you find comfortable, but not too soft as it can cause numbness down there. I currently ride with a WTB, but for years the Brooks saddle range has really caught my eye. I am considering a B17 Special in the future, as they just look so sexy (and are the most comfortable saddle going round.)
We have spoken about bags in an earlier post (check it out here) but it is always handy to have a saddle bag tacked in under the seat. In here you can stuff your multi-tool, spare tube, C02 cartridges, spare change(make sure you have both notes and coins) along with a patch kit just in case. For the long commutes have an energy gel in there just for security. It may not even get used, but at least you know its there.
To top off your bike, add a bike computer. There are many different computers on the market, I picked up a Wireless Cat-eye one secondhand that does the job perfectly. Nice and neat, and not having to worry about cables everywhere if I decide to swap the tyres back to knobblies for trail riding.
If you have any comments or suggestions for Perth Bike Commuter, or just want to be heard, hit the comments field and tell me what you're thinking!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Monday, June 23, 2008
Part 4... Racks, Bags & Panniers
When starting out in the world of bike commuting, you will realise that riding to work on even the coolest mornings can get quite sweaty.
The solution to this is to wear normal cycling clothes and carry your change of clothes to work with you. There are so many possibilities to achieve this. The simplest is to drive to work on the Monday and leave a weeks worth of clothes in your office, so you only have to ride with the shirt on your back.
This may not be ideal for all of us, so carrying your change of clothes is required. Again, the method is one of a personal choice of fashion and function.
Backpacks are great way to carry your clothes, but your back can get quite warm and sweaty under there. Look out for the usual Camelbak or the more refined Berghaus Freeflow range, which will keep your back nice and cool.
Messenger bags are for the cool cats, with many styles to suit your budget. Look at brands such as Chrome and Crumpler.
If having the bag separate from you is the way to go, then Topeak have a number of solutions. I am eager to try a Quicktrax system myself, or hear from you guys what you think of it!
Tell Perth Bike Commuter what sort of bag you are using, and what sort of bag you would love to own!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
The solution to this is to wear normal cycling clothes and carry your change of clothes to work with you. There are so many possibilities to achieve this. The simplest is to drive to work on the Monday and leave a weeks worth of clothes in your office, so you only have to ride with the shirt on your back.
This may not be ideal for all of us, so carrying your change of clothes is required. Again, the method is one of a personal choice of fashion and function.
Backpacks are great way to carry your clothes, but your back can get quite warm and sweaty under there. Look out for the usual Camelbak or the more refined Berghaus Freeflow range, which will keep your back nice and cool.
Messenger bags are for the cool cats, with many styles to suit your budget. Look at brands such as Chrome and Crumpler.
If having the bag separate from you is the way to go, then Topeak have a number of solutions. I am eager to try a Quicktrax system myself, or hear from you guys what you think of it!
Tell Perth Bike Commuter what sort of bag you are using, and what sort of bag you would love to own!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Part 3... See & Be Seen!
Most commutes normally start with an early morning ride, where the light is low and there are plenty of groggy drivers surviving on only the vision of their first office coffee.
See -
A good pair of safety glasses makes for cheap and effective eye protection from bugs and grit in the early morning, which can be safely tucked away for your morning commute. Make sure you pack those polarised sunglasses for the ride home, to stop any glare and give you plenty of protection.
The more we get into winter, the darker it is when we leave the house in the morning. A good front light from brands such as Cat-eye to the more expensive Ay-up provide you with a good enough field of view. If you are handy with electronics you can even craft your own with parts from a good electronics store or online.
Be Seen -
That white front light mentioned above is great for cars coming in the other direction, but no good at warning drivers when riding with the flow of traffic.
There are plenty of lights to choose from, and with LED's so cheap, so many styles and sizes. I have only one Cat-eye rear light on my saddle bag, but I will be looking at adding maybe a flashie or two to my bag, frame or helmet. The more the better when its pitch-black at 6am.
Light coloured clothing is a must whilst riding. "Bike Ninjas" may look cool in all black, but they are more likely to end up on the bonnet of someones car. I wear a reflective silver wind vest I purchased from an adventure store, as i refuse to wear a fluro one. So far, i've had no close calls, but like I said commuting is all about personal choice. Ride in whatever you feel comfortable and safe in.
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
See -
A good pair of safety glasses makes for cheap and effective eye protection from bugs and grit in the early morning, which can be safely tucked away for your morning commute. Make sure you pack those polarised sunglasses for the ride home, to stop any glare and give you plenty of protection.
The more we get into winter, the darker it is when we leave the house in the morning. A good front light from brands such as Cat-eye to the more expensive Ay-up provide you with a good enough field of view. If you are handy with electronics you can even craft your own with parts from a good electronics store or online.
Be Seen -
That white front light mentioned above is great for cars coming in the other direction, but no good at warning drivers when riding with the flow of traffic.
There are plenty of lights to choose from, and with LED's so cheap, so many styles and sizes. I have only one Cat-eye rear light on my saddle bag, but I will be looking at adding maybe a flashie or two to my bag, frame or helmet. The more the better when its pitch-black at 6am.
Light coloured clothing is a must whilst riding. "Bike Ninjas" may look cool in all black, but they are more likely to end up on the bonnet of someones car. I wear a reflective silver wind vest I purchased from an adventure store, as i refuse to wear a fluro one. So far, i've had no close calls, but like I said commuting is all about personal choice. Ride in whatever you feel comfortable and safe in.
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Part 2... Tyres & Tubes
By now, you should have a great piece of engineering to put between yourself and the roads, paths and tracks.
Getting a bike up to spec for commuting reasons can be relatively cheap and a great way to make that bike your own. I'll start from the ground up on the best way to outfit your bike ready for your first day and the weeks, months and years to come! Think of all that money you'll save!
Depending on what style of bike you are riding can depend on the different brands and styles available, so i'll give an overview of what is a good start. Remember, choose what you think is comfortable to you and your conditions. After all, its your bike!
Generally speaking, an urban commute will require some type of slick or semi slick tyre, which allows for less rolling resistance yet still sticks to the road. I ride a mountain bike converted for commuting, and my first and current pair of tyres is a Maxxis Xenith 1.5". With nice high PSI in them, they roll effortlessly. However, you may want to go something meatier if you have some dirt tracks en route, as these can get a bit sketchy with no tread.
A basic thornproof tube should be more than enough to get you too and from work. Make sure you carry a spare tube, along with a pump for a quick change over if you happen to get a flat. The best (but least honourable) solution is your mobile phone. Call someone to pick you up and drop you at work, that way you can repair your tube during lunch or after work.
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Getting a bike up to spec for commuting reasons can be relatively cheap and a great way to make that bike your own. I'll start from the ground up on the best way to outfit your bike ready for your first day and the weeks, months and years to come! Think of all that money you'll save!
Depending on what style of bike you are riding can depend on the different brands and styles available, so i'll give an overview of what is a good start. Remember, choose what you think is comfortable to you and your conditions. After all, its your bike!
Generally speaking, an urban commute will require some type of slick or semi slick tyre, which allows for less rolling resistance yet still sticks to the road. I ride a mountain bike converted for commuting, and my first and current pair of tyres is a Maxxis Xenith 1.5". With nice high PSI in them, they roll effortlessly. However, you may want to go something meatier if you have some dirt tracks en route, as these can get a bit sketchy with no tread.
A basic thornproof tube should be more than enough to get you too and from work. Make sure you carry a spare tube, along with a pump for a quick change over if you happen to get a flat. The best (but least honourable) solution is your mobile phone. Call someone to pick you up and drop you at work, that way you can repair your tube during lunch or after work.
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
Getting Started... The Bike
I thought I would start a series of posts to get you started on your journey into the world of bike commuting. The more I ride, the more I will be able to offer in the way of advice.
The Bike -
Due to the price of fuel, your local bike shop is experiencing a boost in sales. Depending on what store you visit, you may get genuine advice and service, or be confronted by a staff member hell bent on up selling every bike you lay your eyes on.
The lesson here is to know your budget. Whatever style of bike you require, most will be able to offer you the ability to commute successfully. My advice would be to browse a few stores and leave the credit card at home. Make a shortlist of the bikes you like and are comfortable on (one that is gentle on your body and your wallet.)
Before you even step back in the store, jump online or grab the local paper. Check out the tonnes of second hand bikes for sale, keep an eye out for a model that is similar or identical to one of that on your short list. You can save hundreds on this, giving you more money to spend on the basics to get you from A to B.
For the real budget conscious/environmentalists, wait for the warmer months when councils have a roadside waste collection, you may just find something that needs a little work, but you can customise to your taste with little cash and a bit of elbow grease! These bikes are also great to learn maintenance on, as you can pull them apart without being scared you can't put it back together!
If this doesn't work out, go back to the stores and barter with them. Don't be afraid to walk out if you know you can get a better price and after sales service at another store.
Hopefully after all this, you have landed yourself a nice bike you are happy with. Then the fun begins!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
The Bike -
Due to the price of fuel, your local bike shop is experiencing a boost in sales. Depending on what store you visit, you may get genuine advice and service, or be confronted by a staff member hell bent on up selling every bike you lay your eyes on.
The lesson here is to know your budget. Whatever style of bike you require, most will be able to offer you the ability to commute successfully. My advice would be to browse a few stores and leave the credit card at home. Make a shortlist of the bikes you like and are comfortable on (one that is gentle on your body and your wallet.)
Before you even step back in the store, jump online or grab the local paper. Check out the tonnes of second hand bikes for sale, keep an eye out for a model that is similar or identical to one of that on your short list. You can save hundreds on this, giving you more money to spend on the basics to get you from A to B.
For the real budget conscious/environmentalists, wait for the warmer months when councils have a roadside waste collection, you may just find something that needs a little work, but you can customise to your taste with little cash and a bit of elbow grease! These bikes are also great to learn maintenance on, as you can pull them apart without being scared you can't put it back together!
If this doesn't work out, go back to the stores and barter with them. Don't be afraid to walk out if you know you can get a better price and after sales service at another store.
Hopefully after all this, you have landed yourself a nice bike you are happy with. Then the fun begins!
Safe Riding!
Perth Bike Commuter
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